In the realm of Indian cinema, the tides are changing, as notable filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane steps into a role that melds his expertise with the burgeoning talent of fresh directors. Motwane’s latest venture has been his participation in MAMI Select—a progressive initiative under the umbrella of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival designed to foster and spotlight new talent. Giving five up-and-coming directors the chance to create short films using nothing but an iPhone for filmmaking, Motwane’s involvement as a mentor has become a subject of admiration and curiosity in the film community.
During an intrinsically revealing dialogue with mid-day.com, Motwane shares his experiences in this groundbreaking process of nurturing untapped talent. The filmmaker reminisces about his own journey, noting the stark contrast to today’s technological advancements. Gone are the days when aspiring directors had to rent costly equipment and secure studio time for editing. “We’ve come a long way and it’s terrific that you actually have that ability to actually make films in your pocket. So, I’m all for it. This is very exciting,” he exclaims, highlighting how a phone and laptop now suffice for creating cinematic stories.
Vikramaditya Motwane delves into the details of his mentorship, emphasizing the organic nature of his interactions with the emerging filmmakers. “My job as a mentor here has been to read the scripts and guide them in whatever way that one thinks,” he says. Despite his established status, Motwane maintains a hands-off approach, abstaining from any on-set presence and allowing the directors to flourish in their own creative instincts and raw visual talent. They retain full autonomy from scriptwriting to filming, with Motwane lending his insights purely to enhance, not to dictate.
When probed about his early years in the industry and the mentors he looked up to, Motwane reflects on a more collaborative form of guidance among his peers—a shared journey of growth, where each individual contributed their expertise to others’ projects, fostered by partnership and collective effort rather than hierarchical mentorship.
The interview also sheds light on the significant role of platforms like MAMI Select in nurturing the filmmakers of tomorrow. He envisions the ample practice and exposure he could have received if similar opportunities were available during his nascent stage. For these novice storytellers, having a stage to showcase their work to the world represents a monumental shift from the realities of film creation two decades prior.
Moreover, Motwane’s commitment to true artistic cultivation is apparent in his belief that a mentor “must enable other people’s vision and not impose your own.” This philosophy resonates with the technological democratization of filmmaking, where barriers to entry are lowered, and platforms like MAMI Select are not just fostering the next generation of filmmakers, but revolutionizing the cinematic landscape.
As times evolve, Motwane, through his keen insight, patience, and encouragement, is not just witnessing but actively shaping a new wave of digital filmmaking. The widespread optimism and foresight that industry veterans like Motwane extend to newcomers signal an auspicious and transformative era for Indian cinema. This turning point marks the junction where tradition meets innovation, where seasoned guidance fuels nascent dreams, and a prophetic vision of nurturing the seedlings of today that will undoubtedly form the mighty oaks of tomorrow’s filmmaking.
